After dental implant surgery, it is important that you do not disturb the surgery site. There may be a metal abutment or custom tissue former protruding through the gum tissue.

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Bleeding

• Some oozing and slight bleeding (redness in saliva) is normal after surgery. 

• Leave the gauze pad over the area(s) of surgery for about 30-60 minutes following the procedure. You may then replace with the fresh gauze provided in your postoperative bag. Leave the gauze in place for a minimum of 20-30 minutes after changing. Repeat this process until the bleeding stops or significantly slows. A clot should form within a few hours after surgery, after which you no longer need to use gauze.

  • DO NOT go to sleep with any gauze in your mouth.

• For persistent bleeding, place a gauze pad over the area and apply mild pressure. Repeat if necessary.

  • You may also gently bite on a moistened black or green tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea helps the formation of a clot by constricting blood vessels.

• Avoid the following as they can prohibit clot formation and increase bleeding:  

  • Drinking through a straw

  • Aggressive rinsing of the mouth

  • Exercise/strenuous activity for three days following surgery

  • Hot/carbonated beverages

  • Smoking for at least 72 hours following surgery. Ideally, stopping any/all tobacco use is always recommended.

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Swelling

Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will peak around 2-3 days postoperatively.

• Ice packs (or baggies filled with ice) should be used for the first 24-36 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling. 

  • Ice packs can be applied to the cheek, on the exterior of the extraction sites.

  • Use for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

• After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect on swelling. If you are still experiencing some swelling and/or jaw stiffness, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can be helpful. 

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Pain Management

Pain is often most intense for eight hours following surgery and should subside more and more every day.

 

For moderate pain: 

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 500-1000mg every 6 hours, not to exceed 3000-4000mg daily for an adult. Ask your surgeon about your specific dosing.

• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin): 400-600mg every 6 hours, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. Ask your surgeon about patients under 18.

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken at the same time, or their dosing can be staggered.

 

Narcotics should be used as a second-line medication.

• If prescribed, fill the prescription immediately and take as directed.

• Be sure to take with food to minimize the risk of nausea.

• Do not drive a car, operate machinery, make important decisions, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol while taking narcotics.

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Antibiotics

If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take for the full course prescribed, even if signs and symptoms of infection are not present. 

• Women, please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist or primary care provider.

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Diet

• After IV sedation or general anesthesia, only liquids should initially be consumed for 4-6 hours following the surgery. Drink from a glass and do not use straws.

• Be sure to drink enough fluids. To prevent dehydration, drink at least 5-6 glasses of liquid daily.

• Eat soft foods and liquids the day following surgery. Unless otherwise directed, you may return to a normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable. However, continue to avoid chewing hard or crunchy items in the area of surgery.

• If you have an immediate provisional crown placed, please discuss specific chewing instructions with your surgeon.

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Other

• Use the antiseptic mouth rinse the morning of surgery and continue to use it twice daily (morning and before bed) for two weeks following surgery.

• Salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt mixed in 8 oz of warm water) should be used 4-5 times daily, especially after meals.

• Continue to brush your teeth, being gentle around the surgical site(s). If there are sutures (stitches), do not brush over them for the first 3 days after surgery.

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When to Call

• If your bleeding worsens (i.e. if you can see blood actively flowing from your implant site).

• If you develop a rash, diarrhea, or any other reaction to medication we have prescribed for you, stop taking the medication and call the office immediately.

• Severe pain that is not reduced with the use of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or narcotics.

• Swelling that persists or is not improving after 5-7 days.

• If you feel any piece of your implant is loose or displaced.